Preamplifiers

The Moon 491 integrates several key components in one package at once: a network player, a preamp, a DAC, a phono corrector, and a headphone amplifier. The heart of the device is the famous MiND 2 streaming platform, which supports AirPlay and Bluetooth compatibility, and it can be controlled through the Moon MiND Controller mobile application, designed for user convenience. The built-in phono corrector is capable of supporting both MM and MC cartridges, while providing flexible load, gain, capacity, and equalization settings controlled via the on-screen menu.

The Exposure 5510 Preamplifier features a low-noise power supply based on a custom-designed toroidal transformer with integrated shielding. The manufacturer also utilizes a 99-step relay-controlled volume control, designed to ensure precise channel matching and predictable signal level changes.

The Exposure 5510 Preamp is equipped with a low-noise power supply based on a custom-made toroidal transformer with integrated shielding. The manufacturer also applied a 99-step relay volume control, which should ensure accurate channel matching and predictable signal strength changes.

The Air Tight ATC-6 is designed as a classic linear preamp without a built-in phono corrector. The device received five high-quality analog inputs, including two balanced XLR connectors. This allows you to connect both digital sources – CD/SACD players and modern high-resolution audio systems, as well as analog components.

The Vincent SA-32 AE is a limited edition hybrid preamp released by the German company Vincent Audio in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Powerline line. The series began in 1996 with the SA-31 model, and the SA-32 AE became an updated version of the 2017 SA-32 model. The edition is limited to 200 copies.

The Badlands preamp reflects Ampsandsound's approach to system management and signal purity. The model is based on 12AX7 and 12BH7 lamps and combines lamp saturation with flexibility of settings. One of its key features is support for several types of rectifier lamps at once, including 5Y3, 5V4, 5U4 and 5AR4. This allows the owner to change the way the power supply works and subtly influence the overall sound output of the system.

The Momentum C2Z does not replace the existing Momentum C2 , but is positioned as a complementary design developed to optimize the electrical interface between the preamplifier and power amplifier, with the aim of improving overall system performance.

The Octave Jubilee Preamp SE is a hybrid preamp that represents an evolution of the classic Jubilee Preamp model. It combines a tube input stage and a transistor output buffer, which provides detailed and musical sound without the use of negative feedback (zero-feedback).

Gryphon Helios is a premium audio component from the Danish brand Gryphon Audio Designs. The model embodies the brand's philosophy of impeccable sound quality, advanced technology, and exquisite design. It is designed for true audio enthusiasts who value emotional and accurate reproduction.

The Backes&Müller ICE 525 preamp is equipped with a phono corrector equipped with advanced digital technologies that allow for optimal performance even with the most unusual pickup heads. The claimed signal-to-noise ratio that the new product is capable of providing promises to be higher than that of any analog phono corrector. In addition, Backes&Müller promises a high level of comfort when using a preamp.

The Audio Research LS-3 preamplifier is designed as a fully linear preamplifier stage and uses fully balanced differential circuitry. The input stage uses JFET transistors, which are known for their low noise performance and can be particularly effective when combined with high-resolution sources.

At the heart of the Audio Research LS-2 are two 6H30 tubes – dual triodes long respected in audiophile circles. The unit runs in pure Class A and uses a cathode-follower topology, helping achieve a low output impedance. This makes matching with a wide range of power amplifiers and long cable runs easier, without sacrificing dynamics or control. Fully balanced circuit design further improves immunity to interference in real-world listening environments.

The Unison Research Unico Pre V2 is the new flagship preamp in the Unico line, with a completely updated, elegant and modern design. The project follows the new style of the Unico family, which was officially introduced for the first time.

The Esoteric N-05XE combines network streaming, digital-to-analog conversion, and a balanced preamp with a headphone amplifier in one package. According to Esoteric, the goal was to provide the highest possible sound quality in the most compact system, and the new product solves this problem.

The Riviera Audio APL01 Special Edition preamp, according to the developers, represents the ultimate expression of Riviera's preamp expertise. Every aspect of the design has been carefully optimized so that musical qualities are more important than technical specifications alone. The component is fully tube-based and uses a Class A configuration without Zero Feedback, providing exceptional musicality and impressive technical performance.

The compact device has analog, digital, and wireless connectors, with a total of 13 inputs and outputs that allow you to connect a vinyl record player, TV, streamer, CD player, laptop, headphones, and more. There are two RCA line inputs, coaxial and optical digital inputs, as well as an HDMI eARC input for connecting audio to a TV. There is also a subwoofer output.

The Caspian Streaming preamp uses the proven BluOS platform and provides support for Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, as well as a variety of music streaming options and Internet radio. The device can also play music from connected NAS devices via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, while maintaining a maximum resolution of up to 24-bit/192 kHz PCM files (but not DSD). The amplifier is also certified according to the Roon Ready standard.

The PREAMP II-S preamplifier uses selected by Nagra Laboratory 2x 12AX7/ECC83 and 1x 12AT7/ECC81 vacuum tubes, similar to those used in the Classic Phono, HD, and Reference models. They deliver improved sonic transparency, increased detail, and more realistic dynamics.

The Accuphase C-3900S is built around the Dual Balanced AAVA volume control system. Unlike traditional preamplifiers, this concept abandons passive signal attenuation using resistors. Instead, volume is adjusted actively through a combination of multiple amplifier stages with different gain levels. The parallel implementation of two balanced AAVA circuits per channel further reduces noise and improves electrical stability. Complementing this design is the ANCC circuit, which actively compensates noise-related distortion. Especially at low and mid listening levels, this is intended to deliver the cleanest possible signal – an important practical advantage for everyday listening at realistic volume levels.

The EMM Labs PREi preamplifier is built around a dual-mono architecture and constructed entirely from discrete components. The amplification stages operate in pure Class A. The company emphasises that no integrated operational amplifiers are used anywhere in the signal path. At the core of the design lies the proprietary Meitner Audio Architecture (MAA), with all analogue stages developed and manufactured in-house, without the use of third-party modules.